The cyclone is predicted to generate storm surges, high tides and very destructive winds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.

Parts of the coast could receive up to 300 millimetres of rain every six hours for several days after Ita hits.

The bureau says the cyclone is the most severe system it has seen approach the Queensland coast since Cyclone Yasi in 2011.

The three-storey museum, a converted convent, was built of brick in 1889, and originally housed the Sisters of Mercy.

One of the museum's treasures is an anchor and a cannon from Captain James Cook's HMB Endeavour ship.

The most valuable and fragile exhibits have been moved to the central area of the ground floor.

Computers have been backed up and power is switched off.

James Cook Museum manager Dr Melanie Piddocke says it is her first cyclone experience.

She says all preparations were completed yesterday, enabling her staff to spend today with their families, securing their homes.

"We're not worried about the storm surge because we're up quite high," Dr Piddocke said.

"We're worried about the tin roof blowing off or the windows blowing in."

Dr Piddocke says she has no intention of staying at the museum during the cyclone and will stay with friends in a secure house.

"I've heard the noise will be terrifying," she said.

"I'm a bit scared but I'm curious too."

Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott says he is also concerned some of the town's historic buildings will not be standing in the morning.

"Cooktown shot to fame back in the 1870s, 1880s as a gold rush town and we still have a number of iconic old buildings, historical tourism-type buildings that haven't had a cyclone since 1949," he said.

"We just don't know what their capcity is to handle something like this."